Why Hoodies Are the #1 Custom Apparel Item

Hoodies have the highest perceived value of any custom apparel item. A well-decorated hoodie feels like a $60+ retail product — even when the total cost per piece (blank + decoration) is $18–30 in bulk. That makes hoodies the go-to for merch stores, school spirit wear, team gear, and corporate gifts.

The blank you choose determines the fit, weight, and overall quality feel. Here's how the most popular options compare.

Top Hoodie Blanks Ranked

1. Gildan 18500 — Best Value for Large Orders

The Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend is the most-ordered hoodie in the custom apparel industry. It's an 8 oz., 50/50 cotton/polyester blend with a classic, relaxed fit. The pill-resistant fabric holds up to repeated washing, and the color range is massive (40+ colors).

Why teams choose it: Lowest cost per piece at volume. When you're ordering 72+ hoodies for a school or team, the savings compound fast.

Weight: 8.0 oz. | Blend: 50/50 Cotton/Poly | Fit: Classic/Relaxed

2. Champion S700 — Premium Brand Recognition

Champion hoodies carry instant brand recognition. The S700 Powerblend uses a proprietary cotton/polyester blend that resists shrinkage and pilling. The double-needle stitching and ribbed side panels give it a more tailored look than basic fleece.

Why teams choose it: The Champion "C" logo on the sleeve adds perceived value without any extra decoration cost.

Weight: 9.0 oz. | Blend: 50/50 Cotton/Poly | Fit: Modern/Athletic

3. Independent Trading Co. IND4000 — Streetwear Quality

The IND4000 is a favorite for merch brands, online stores, and anyone targeting a fashion-forward audience. Heavyweight 10 oz. fleece, oversized fit, and a buttery hand-feel that rivals retail hoodies 3x the price.

Why teams choose it: If you're selling hoodies (not just giving them away), this blank commands a higher retail price.

Weight: 10.0 oz. | Blend: 80/20 Cotton/Poly | Fit: Oversized/Streetwear

4. Bella+Canvas 3719 — Lightweight Retail Feel

For a softer, lighter hoodie with a fitted silhouette, the Bella+Canvas 3719 is the ring-spun cotton answer. It uses a sponge fleece fabric that's lighter than traditional fleece but still warm enough for layering.

Why teams choose it: Unisex sizing runs slim — great for retail and fashion-focused brands.

Weight: 7.0 oz. | Blend: 52/48 Cotton/Poly | Fit: Slim/Modern

5. Jerzees NuBlend 996MR — Budget With Upgraded Feel

Jerzees NuBlend sits between Gildan pricing and Champion quality. The high-stitch density fleece resists pilling better than most budget options, and the pill-free fabric means the hoodie still looks good after 20+ washes.

Why teams choose it: When Gildan is too basic but Champion is too expensive.

Weight: 8.0 oz. | Blend: 50/50 Cotton/Poly | Fit: Classic

Which Decoration Method Works Best on Hoodies?

Screen Printing

The flat, large print areas on the front and back of hoodies make them ideal for screen printing. A full-front design or large back print looks bold and is the most cost-effective method at 24+ pieces.

Tip: For dark hoodies with white or light ink, request a "flash cure" between layers — it prevents the underbase from showing through and gives a cleaner result.

Embroidery

Left-chest embroidery on hoodies creates a clean, corporate-quality look. The heavier fleece fabric holds embroidery stitches without puckering, making hoodies one of the easiest garments to embroider.

Tip: Keep embroidered designs under 4 inches wide for left-chest placement. Larger embroidery (like full-back) is possible but gets expensive due to high stitch counts.

DTF (Direct-to-Film)

DTF works on hoodies but has one limitation: the transfer sits on top of the fleece nap, which can feel slightly stiff on heavyweight blanks. For small orders or photographic designs, DTF is still the best option — just keep the print area moderate.

Crewnecks vs. Hoodies: Which Should You Order?

Crewneck sweatshirts are having a resurgence — especially in the school and streetwear markets. They're slightly cheaper than hoodies (no hood or drawcord), cleaner for large front prints, and allowed in more dress codes.

Order hoodies when: The end user is choosing. Given the option, most people prefer hoodies.

Order crewnecks when: You want a cleaner silhouette, need to comply with a dress code, or want a slightly lower per-piece cost.

Pricing Ranges for Custom Hoodies

Blank Tier	Blank Cost	Decorated (24 pcs, 1-color print)
Budget (Gildan 18500)	$8–12	$14–20/piece
Mid-Range (Jerzees, Champion)	$12–18	$18–26/piece
Premium (Independent, Bella+Canvas)	$16–24	$22–32/piece

Prices vary by quantity, decoration method, and number of print locations. Get a free quote for your specific order.

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